Sam Hecht Draft Grade | Round 5, Pick 4 | FanVerdicts

A+

Top 3%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Steal

Position

C · Value Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #84 · Day 2 Value

Sam Hecht developed into one of the Big 12's most reliable interior linemen during his four-year career at Kansas State, transforming from a raw recruit into a polished technician. The Wichita native began his career as a developmental project but steadily improved each season, culminating in an outstanding senior campaign where he anchored K-State's top-15 rushing offense. Hecht's draft stock has risen throughout the process due to his exceptional football IQ, consistent technique, and versatility to play both guard positions and center at a high level. His combination of processing speed, hand placement precision, and competitive toughness makes him an ideal fit for zone-heavy schemes, though questions about his raw power against elite interior rushers keep him from first-round consideration.

Strengths

+Exceptional pre-snap processing allows him to identify blitz packages and stunts quickly, rarely caught off-guard by complex defensive alignments.

+Textbook hand placement and punch timing create consistent leverage advantages, particularly effective at jolting pass rushers off their intended rush lanes.

+Outstanding footwork in zone blocking schemes enables him to reach difficult angles and maintain proper climbing relationships to the second level.

+High football IQ translates to excellent communication skills, frequently seen directing line calls and picking up missed assignments by teammates.

+Competitive motor shows up consistently in finishing blocks downfield and pursuing defenders in scramble situations well beyond the pocket.

+Versatility to play all three interior positions at a starter-caliber level, with particular strength as a pulling guard in gap schemes.

+Exceptional balance and recovery ability allows him to reset and re-engage even when initially beaten or knocked off-balance by power moves.

+Strong anchor against bull rushes from most college defenders, using proper knee bend and core strength to absorb contact effectively.

+Reliable pass protection technique with quick hands to counter inside moves and sufficient lateral mobility to handle stunts and games.

+Consistent effort level as a run blocker, showing willingness to sustain blocks through the whistle and create movement in double teams.

+Clean injury history and excellent durability, missing only two games in four college seasons due to minor ailments.

Leadership qualities evident through team captaincy and positive relationships with coaching staff and teammates throughout his career.

NFL Comparison: Connor McGovern

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Sam Hecht

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